ONEIDA>> The Salvation Army continues to organize a distribution site at Wilson Street in Oneida, giving out personal donations to Oneida flood victims.

"An amazing amount of support has come from this community," said Salvation Army Field Representative Forrest Kimball.

Kimball said that the group has been present providing aid since day one and that most of the groups materials come from personal donations. Volunteers are usually at the Wilson Street location from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

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Volunteer Amy Brodack said that people are allowed to come to the tent and take items as needed. "If we've got it, they've got it," Brodack said.

Brodack said that a number of schools have been helping the cause in addition to the various organizations. In the last week alone, bus loads of students from summer sports programs and youth groups have come to give aid from the Oneida City School District, Vernon-Verona-Sherrill High School and Holy Cross Academy.

Kimball said that he was impressed with how well Salvation Army, the city and the Red Cross have coordinated efforts to provide and continue to give aid.

"It doesn't really get any better than this," Kimball said. "It's been a real community effort between all groups involved. We're all just out here working together to do the right thing."

City Volunteer Coordinator Helen Acker said that anyone interested in helping out can come down to the tent on Wilson Street or call her at 264-9221. The distribution point and sign-up station on Wilson will remain open until Sunday, July 14.

At this point, Acker said that the biggest thing residents are beginning to need help with is yard clean-up. Anyone with lawn mowers, rakes and weed wackers is encouraged to help out. Acker stressed that all volunteers, regardless of where they are helping out, should wear heavy work gloves and a pair of rubber or work boots. Currently, the objects of need are mosquito repellent and large plastic tote containers with lids.

"People have been so gracious and grateful for everything," Acker said. " The response both by people donating time and items and the people who need help has been amazing."

>>The boil water notice that was issued by the city on July 2 as been lifted in Oneida. Sampling conducted in the areas around Lenox Avenue including Linden, Stoddard, Stephen and Mott streets has releaved that water in the area is safe to drink.

>>The Flood zone cleanup is continuing.

Governor Andrew Cuomo is deploying the Department of Financial Services' Mobile Command Center to Madison County to help homeowners and businesses affected by recent heavy rains and devastating flood damage in the Mohawk Valley and Central New York regions. Governor Cuomo also outlined resources and advice for victims who are dealing with their insurance company to help them get the relief to which they are entitled as quickly as possible, including the availability of a DFS Disaster Hotline at 1-800-339-1759.

DFS representatives are deploying to assist victims with insurance-related issues stemming from damage caused by recent heavy rains and flooding in the Mohawk Valley. The department's representatives will be inside the agency's Mobile Command Center, which will be stationed at the shopping plaza on Wilson Street between East Walnut Street and Sconondoa Street in Oneida on Friday and Saturday, July 12 and 13 from 9 a.m. to 5p.m.

Impacted families and businesses can call the DFS Disaster hotline for assistance at 1-800-339-1759, which is available on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on weekends from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Cuomo will also deploy the DFS Mobile Command Center to additional locations in the coming days to help continue reaching victims of this natural disaster. These additional locations will be announced.

Resources for Victims, Advice for Dealing with Insurers

Governor Cuomo also outlined resources and advice for impacted families and businesses dealing with their insurance companies. These include steps to help ensure that their claims are processed promptly, as well as information on how to file a complaint if they cannot resolve a dispute with their insurer.

o File Claims Promptly. Homeowners who experienced property losses are urged to file insurance claims with their insurers promptly and as soon as possible after losses occur. It is important to provide policy numbers if possible and all information relevant to the loss. To best document losses, homeowners should take photos or videos showing the extent of the losses before cleaning up damage.

o Making Necessary Repairs. Homeowners should protect their property from further damage after a loss, but should make only necessary repairs to prevent further damage to property, like covering broken windows. Permanent repairs should not be made until after insurers have inspected losses.

o Keep Records of Dealings with Insurance Representatives. Homeowners should cooperate fully with their insurer and keep a diary of all conversations with insurance representatives, including the representatives' names, as well as the times and dates of all calls or visits. They should also follow up in writing with the representatives to document their understanding of any conversations they've had with the representatives.

o Inventory Your Belongings. Provide your insurer with a detailed room-by-room inventory of damaged personal items and property. Include any receipts, credit card or other documents showing the items' values.

o Flood Damage. Homeowners are also reminded that flood damage is generally only covered by flood insurance, which is a federal program administered by FEMA. Homeowners who have flood insurance and have flood damage should make claims through that insurance. Additionally, homeowners should also read their policies carefully to make sure they understand what damage is covered and under what circumstances. For additional on flood insurance, please visit the Flood Insurance Resource Center on the DFS website at http://www.dfs.ny.gov/consumer/flood_info.htm.

o Keep Your Receipts If You Relocate During Repairs. If you need to temporarily relocate while your home is being repaired, make sure to keep receipts and other records of your expenses during that time.